8-alkoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines

ABSTRACT

NOVEL PHARMACOLOGICALLY ACTIVE 8-(LOWER ALKOXY)1,2,3,4-TETRAHDROISOQUINOLINES, 8 - (LOWER ALKOXY) - 1 AND/OR 2-(LOWER ALKYL)-1.2.3.4-TERTRAHYDROISOQUINIOLINES AND INTERMEDIATES THEREFOR, ARE PREPARED UTILIZING, FOR EXAMPLE, 8-ISOQUINOLINOL AS A STARTING MATERIAL. THE PHARMCOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS OF THE INVENTION ARE USEFUL AS HYPOTENSIVE AGENTS.

United States Patent O 3,796,715 S-ALKOXY-3,4-DIHYDROISOQUINOLINES Willy Leimgruber, Montclair, and Fausto Eugenio Schenker, Bloomfield, N..I., assiguors to Hoifmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, NJ.

No Drawing. Original application Sept. 9, 1970, Ser. No. 70,923, now Patent No. 3,661,913, which is a division of application Ser. No. 664,269, Aug. 30, 1967, now Patent No. 3,562,280. Divided and this application Jan. 7, 1972, Ser. No. 216,255

Int. Cl. C07d 35/1 US. Cl. 260-289 R 2 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Novel pharmacologically active 8 -(lower alkoxy)- 1,2,3,4-tctrahydroisoquinolines, 8 (lower alkoxy) 1 and/or 2-(1ower alkyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and intermediates therefor, are prepared utilizing, for example, 8-isoquinolinol as a starting material. The phar macologically active compounds of the invention are useful as hypotensive agents.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 70,923 filed Sept. 9, 1970, which in turn is a division of application Ser. No. 664,269, filed Aug. 30, 1967, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,562,280, issued Feb. 9, 1971.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted isoquinolinium compounds of the formula N-lower alkyl wherein R is lower alkyl and X- is selected from the group consisting of iodine, chlorine and bromine.

In another aspect, the invention relates to compounds of the formula wherein R is lower alkyl, R.,, is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl and benzyl, and X- is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and iodine.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to compounds of the formula wherein R is lower alkyl.

The foregoing compounds are useful in the preparation of substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines of the formula 3 ,796,715 Patented Mar. 12, 1974 wherein R is lower alkyl and R and R are hydrogen or lower alkyl,

and acid addition salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids. The compounds of the invention, i.e., the compound of Formula I, are useful as hypotensive agents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to pharmacologically active 1,2, 3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines of the formula wherein R is lower alkyl and R and R are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl,

and acid addition salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids.

In a particularly advantageous aspect, the invention relates to the subgenus characterized by the formula wherein R and R are as previously described,

and acid addition salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids.

In another aspect, the invention relates to the subgenus characterized by the formula wherein R is as previously described, and R and R are lower alkyl,

and acid addition salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to novel intermediates characterized by the formulas l i-lower alkyl 3 (VI) R (XI) (XII) R lower alkyl (XIV) Examples of the compounds of Formula I are:

8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline; 8-methoxy-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline; S-methoxyl-methyl-l ,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline 8-methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline;

and acid addition salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids. Of these, the most preferred are S-methoxy-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquin0line and acid addition salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable acids.

The compounds of Formula I form acid addition salts and such salts are also within the scope of this invention. Thus, the compounds of Formula I form pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts with, for example, both pharmaceutically acceptable organic and inorganic acids, such as acetic acid, succinic acid, formic aid, methanesulfonic acid, p-toluene-sulfonic acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and the like.

The compounds of Formula I are prepared according to processes illustrated by the following reaction schemes:

Scheme I (III) 1. alkali metal alkoxide 2. alkylating agent lower alkyl halide Process A Process B N-lower alkyl wherein R is as previously described, R is hydrogen or lower alkyl, halide is iodide, chloride or bromide and X- is iodine, chlorine or bromine.

Process A of Scheme I is carried out by reacting 8- isoquinolinol (IH), a known compound, with an alkylating agent, such as methyl iodide, in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide, such as sodium methylate, at a temperature in the range of from about 25 to about 80 to form a compound of Formula VI. A compound of Formula VI is then reduced utilizing, for example, sodium borohydride or hydrogen under pressure in the presence of platinum oxide, to form the correspondin compound of Formula Ic- Process B 915 Sch e 1 is Carried out by reacting 8-isoquinolinol with a lower alkl halide, such as methyl iodide, or a dialkyl sulfate, such as dimethyl sulfate, to yield a compound of Formula IV. A compound of Formula IV is then reduced, for example, with hydorgen under pressure in the presence of platinum oxide to form the corresponding compound of Formula V. A compound of Formula V is reacted with phenyltrimethylammonium chloride in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide, such as sodium methoxide, or an alkali metal hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide, to yield the corresponding compound of Formula Id.

Scheme II Process C Process D 3 I OH III Reduction \\[C uHsN (CI-1031+ R3 0 N-CHO mineral acid Process C of Scheme II is carried out by reducing the 8- isoquinolinol, as previously described, to form the compound of Formula VIII. The compound of Formula VIII is reacted with formic acid and tertiary amine, such as triet-hylamine, to form the compound of Formula IX, which is in turn reacted with an alkylating agent, such as methyl iodide, in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide, such as sodium methylate, to form a compound of Formula X. A compound of Formula X is treated with a mineral acid, such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, to form the corresponding compound of Formula If.

Process D of Scheme II is carried out by reacting the 8- isoquinolinol with phenyltrimethylammonium chloride in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide, such as sodium methoxide, or an alkali metal hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide, to yield the compound of Formula VII. The compound of Formula VII is reduced, for example, utilizing hydrogen under pressure in the presence of platinum oxide to form the compound of Formula Ie.

Scheme III alkali metal NH hypohalide \/N I R1 R1 (XI) (U) lower alkyl halide magnesium halide lower alkyl N-lower alkyl fi-lower alkyl R; lower alkyl 0R1 X- (Ib) (XIIa) The reaction of Scheme III is carried out by reacting an 8-alkoxy-1,3,2,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline of Formula If with an alkali metal hypohalide, such as sodium hypochloride, to yield a compound of Formula XI. A compound of Formula XI is then reacted with a lower alkyl halide, such as methyl iodide, to yield the corresponding compound of Formula XI'Ia. A compound of Formula XIIa is reacted with a lower alkyl magnesium halide, such as methyl magnesium iodide, to yield the corresponding compound of Formula Ib.

Scheme IV All the reactions described above may be conducted in the presence of added solvent such as methanol, methylene chloride, benzene, toluene, ethanol, ether and the like. The temperatures at which the processes described above are carried out are not critical, however, temperatures in the range of about 25 to 80 C. are preferably utilized. The reaction products of the invention may be recovered employing conventional techniques, such as filtration, extraction and the like.

The compounds of Formula I lower blood pressure and cause vasodilation. More particularly, they effect an increase in the peripheral vascular blood flow with a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance without any substantial inhibition of the peripheral autonomic system and with only minimal blocking effects upon the adrenergic effector sites. Moreover, the compounds of Formula I possess the advantage of being devoid of certain undesirable effects, for instance, they do not significantly increase the heart rate. Thus, the compounds of the invention are useful, for example, in the treatment of vascular diseases such as hypotension.

The vasodilator and blood pressures reducing properties of the compounds of Formula I can be demonstrated in warm-blooded animals utilizing standard procedures, for example, in nembutalized dogs anesthetized, heparinized, and prepared for recording of the systemic blood pressure and the pressure in a constant flow-perfused hind limb. In particular, blood from a cannulated carotid artery is q passed by tube through a sigmomotor pump to a distally cannulated femoral artery. The pressure between the con- 0 L stant flow pump and the hind limb is monitored throughout (XI) (XIIb) the .study. Changes in the vascular resistance result in Power alkyl changes in the perfusion pressure. Control responses to magnesium halide intravenously injected norepinephrine and histamine are obtained and the test drug is adminstered intravenously at q catalytic G 4.0 mg./kg.

Q I n a NH debenzylation N-C1H1 Illustrative of the results obtained, for example, with 8- Y methoxy-2-methyl-l,2,3,4 tetrahydroisoquinoline, which 1 lower alkyl 0R: lower alkyl has an LD of 223 mg./kg. p.o. and 46 mg./kg. I.V. (Ig) (XIV) in mice after 72 hours, are those set forth in Table I below.

TABLE I Dog No. 1 Dog No. 2

Average Average predose 13.1. perfusion Perfusion B.P., change, Duration pressure pressure Duration mm. Hg mm. Hg (minutes) predose change (minutes) Norepinephrine 3. 0 +40 2. 0 Histamine 95 -40 1. 0 -70 2. 0 8-methoxy-2-methyl-1,2,3,4

tetrahydroisoquinoline 95 60 5. 0 125 85 5. 0 15 min 80 15 70 -55 30 80 -15 7o 55 The reaction of Scheme IV is carried out by reacting a compound of Formula XI with a benzyl halide, such as benzyl bromide, to yield a compound of Formula XIIb. A compound of Formula XIIb is then reacted with a lower alkyl magnesium halide, such as methyl magnesium iodide, to yield the corresponding compound of Formula XIV, which can be catalytically debenzylated, for example by reacting with hydrogen in the presence of palladium on charcoal, to form the corresponding compound of Formula will be immediately apparent to persons skilled in the art. These adjuvant materials, either inorganic or organic in nature, include, for example, water, gelatin, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, talc, vegetable oils, gums, polyalkylene glycols, etc. Moreover, preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, salts for altering osmotic pressure, buffers, etc. can be incorporated, if desired, into such formulations.

The quantity of active medicament which is present in any of the above-described dosage forms is variable. It is preferred, however, to provide capsules or tablets containing from about mg. to about 50 mg. of the Formula I base or an equivalent amount of a medicinally acceptable acid addition salt thereof. For parenteral administration, it is preferred to provide a solution containing from about 1 mg./ml. to about 10 mg./ml. of the Formula I base, or an equivalent quantity of a salt thereof.

The frequency with which any such dosage form will be administered to a warm-blooded animal will vary, depending upon the quantity of active medicament present therein and the needs and requirements of the warmblooded animal, as diagnosed by the prescribing practitioner. Under ordinary circumstances, however, up to about 250 m.g./kg. of the compound can be administered daily in several oral doses. It is to be understood, however, that the dosages set forth therein are exemplary only and that they do not, to any extent, limit the scope or practice of this invention.

The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the invention. All parts are by Weight and all temperatures are in degrees Centigrade, unless otherwise mentioned.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 8-hydroxy-2-methylisoquinolinium iodide A solution of 3.63 g. of 8-isoquinolinol and 4 ml. of methyl iodide in 50 ml. of ethanol was stirred at reflux temperature for 8 hours, cooled and filtered to give, after recrystallization from ethanol-ethyl acetate, 8-hydroxy-2- methylisoquinolinium iodide, having a melting point of 220-22l.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8- isoquinolinol A solution of 2.87 g. of 8-hydroxy-2-methylisoquinolinium iodide in 200 ml. of ethanol was hydrogenated over platinum oxide at room temperature and at 50 p.s.i. pressure. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in 100 ml. of methanol and treated with 516.5 mg. of sodium methylate in methanol. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the solid residue was extracted with boiling methylene chloride. The extract was evaporated to dryness to yield 1.6 g. of 2-methyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-S-isoquinolinol, M.P. 170l73.5.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 8-methoxy-2-ethylisoquinolinium iodide A solution containing 2.0 g. of 8-isoquinolinol in methanol was treated with 754.6 mg. of sodium methoxide in methanol. The solution was evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in 50 ml. of ethanol, and thereafter 3.5 ml. of freshly distilled methyl iodide were added. The resulting solution was stirred at reflux temperature for 16 hours. Filtration of the reaction mixture yielded 3.39 g. of crude material, which was crystallized from methanol-ether to yield 2.97 g. of '8-methoxy-2-methylisoquinolinium iodide as yellow crystals, M.P. 231-232".

8 EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 8-methoxy-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroiso quinoline hydrochloride from 2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-isoquinolino1 689 mg. of 2-methyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-isoquinolinol were dissolved in ml. of benzene. After the addition of 764 mg. of phenyltrimethylammonium chloride and 4.45 ml. of 1 N sodium hydroxide, the solution was heated at reflux temperature for 8 hours. The water formed during the reaction was collected in a Dean-Stark trap. The reaction mixture was cooled, washed with dilute sodium hydroxide and then with water. After the addition of water to the organic phase, the resulting two phase mixture was stirred vigorously and adjusted to pH 6.0 with 1 N hydrochloric acid. The aqueous acid layer was made strongly alkaline with 1 N sodium hydroxide and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water, dried with sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to yield 503 mg. of liquid S-methoxy-Z-methyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. This mate rial was dissolved in 25 ml. of methanol, and the solution was made strongly acidic with ethanolic hydrogen chloride and evaporated to dryness. The residue was recrystallized from methanol-ether, yielding 310 mg. of the hydrochloride of 8-methoxy-2-methyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, M.P. 215-216 EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 8-methoxy-2-methyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride from 8-methoxy-2-methylisoquinolium iodide A solution containing 2 g. of 8-methoxy2-methylisoquinolinium iodide in ethanol was hydrogenated over platinum oxide at room temperature and at 50 p.s.i. pressure. The catalyst Was removed by filtration, and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to give 1.88 g. of the hydroiodi-de. This material was dissolved in 25 ml. of 1 N sodium hydroxide and the solution was extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water, dried with sodium sulfate, and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 1.09 g. of oil. An ethanolic solution of this material was treated with hydrogen chloride in ethanol and then evaporated to dryness. The residue was crystallized from ethanol-ether to give 1.13 g. of white crystalline 8-methoxy-2-methyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride, M.P. 215-- 216".

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of S-methoxyisoquinoline To a solution of 29 g. of 8-isoquinolinol and 11.35 g. of sodium methylate in m1. of methanol, 36.1 g. of phenyltrimethylammonium chloride were added. The mixture was stirred for one hour, filtered to remove the precipitated salt, and then evaporated under reduced pressure. The oily residue was dissolved in 150 ml. of dimethylformamide. The solution was heated at reflux for two hours, cooled, and then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 250 ml. of methylene chloride and extracted with 1 N sodium hydroxide solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was then washed with water, dried with sodium sulfate, treated with charcoal, and evaporated to dryness to give 43.2 g. of dark oil. Dimethylaniline was removed from this material by distillation at 58-89 C./ 17-18 mm., and the distillation residue was filtered through a column containing 10 g. of alumina II. The column was eluted with ether, and after evaporation of the eluate 25.8 g. of light brown liquid was obtained. Crystallization from ether-pentane gave 20.6 g. of pure S-methoxyisoquinoline, M-P. 48-51".

The corresponding hydrochloride salt was prepared as follows:

A solution of 21.86 g. 8-methoxyisoquinoline in 125 ml. of methanol was acidified with ethanolic hydrogen chloride and evaporated to dryness to yield 26.8 g. of the hydrochloride salt of 8-methoxyisoquinoline as a yellowish solid, M.P. 170-1705".

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 8-methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride A solution of 26.8 g. of S-methoxyisoquinoline hydrochloride in 600 ml. of ethanol was hydrogenated with platinum oxide catalyst at room temperature and 50 p.s.i. of pressure. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The solid residue was crystallized from methanol-ether to give 17.5 g. of 8- methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride as white crystals, M.P. 260.5-263.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 8methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline A solution of 2.8 g. of 8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride in 100 ml. of methanol was neutralized with 756.5 mg. of sodium methylate in methanol. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue was extracted with ether. Removal of the solvent gave 2.23 g. of 8 methoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, which was dissolved in 75 ml. of methanol and stirred for 2 hours at room temperature with 6.12 ml. of a 16.6% sodium hypochlorite solution. After the addition of 6.92 g. of sodium hydroxide pellets, the reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 hours, and then evaporated to dryness. The

. residue was mixed with Water and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water, dried with sodium sulfate, treated with'charcoal, and evaporated to dryness. The liquid residue was dissolved in ether, treated with Dry Ice, filtered, and then evaporated to yield 2.1 g. of 8-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquino1ine as an oil.

The hydrochloride salt was prepared as follows:

A solution of 377 mg. of 8-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline in 25 ml. of methanol was treated with charcoal, and acidified with ethanolic hydrogen chloride. Removal of the solvent yielded 461 mg. of crude hydrochloride, which was crystallized from methanol-benzene and then from methylene chloride-ether to give 238 mg. of 8- methoxy 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline hydrochloride as pale yellow crystals, M.P. l75-175.5.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of 8-methoxy-2-methyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolinium iodide A solution of 8.0 g. of 8-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline in 250 ml. of benzene was stirred with 15 ml. of methyl iodide for 65 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was chilled. The solid that formed was collected by filtration and crystallized from methanolether to give 12.4 g. of yellow crystalline 8-methoxy-2- methyl 3,4 dihydroisoquinolinium iodide, M.P. 182- 182.5

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of S-methoxy-1,2-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride To a concentrated ether solution of methylmagnesium iodide, prepared from 6.52 g. of magnesium and 16.7 ml. of methyl iodide, 8.12 g. of 8-methoxy-2-methyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolinium iodide were added in small portions.

10 The mixture was refluxed for 1.5 hours, cooled, decomposed with a saturated aqueous sodium sulfate solution, and then diluted with 200 ml. of water. The aqueous mixture was extracted with ether. The ether phase was washed with Water, dried with sodium sulfate, treated with charcoal, filtered and evaporated to give 3.82 g. of 8-methoxy- 1,2-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. A solution of 535 mg. of this material in 25 ml. of ethanol was acidified with ethanolic hydrogen chloride and evaporated to dryness. The residue was crystallized from methylene chloride-ether to yield 529 mg. of 8-methoxy-1,2-dimethyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride, M.P. 159.5- 161.5".

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of 8-ethoxy-2-ethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride A solution of 4.0 g. of 8-isoquinolinol in ml. of ethanol was mixed with 1.635 g. of sodium methylate, heated to reflux temperature, and treated with 10 ml. of ethyl iodide. The mixture was stirred at reflux temperature for 16 hours, concentrated to about 50 ml. and chilled. Filtration of the reaction mixture yielded 5.42 g. of yellow solid material, which was crystallized from methanolether to give 3.84 g. of 8-ethoxy-2-ethylisoquinolinium iodide, M.P. -210.

A solution of 3.3 g. of this material in 60 ml. of 50% aqueous isopropnaol was stirred during the gradual addition of 1.3 g. of sodium borohydride (over a 10-minute period). The mixture was stirred for 3 hours and then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was suspended in 1 N sodium hydroxide and the suspension was extracted with ether. The organic layer was washed with Water, dried with sodium sulfate and evaporated to give 824 mg. of 8-ethoxy-2-ethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. An ethereal solution of this base was'acidified with ethanolic hydrogen chloride and then evaporated. The residue was crystallized from methanol-ether to give 780 mg. of the white, crystalline 8-ethoxy-2-ethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride, M.P. 206.5-207.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 2-ethyl-8-methoxy-isoquinolinium iodide A solution of 4.0 g. of 8-methoxyisoquinoline and 6.0 ml. of ethyl iodide in 50 ml. of ethanol was heated for 8 hours at reflux temperature and chilled. The precipitate was removed by filtration to give 6.3 g. of yellow powder, M.P. 205-208, which was crystallized from methanolether to yield 5.6 g. of bright yellow crystalline 2-ethyl-8- methoxy-isoquinolinium iodide, M.P. 209209.5.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 2-ethyl-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride A solution of 5.11 g. of 2-ethyl-8-methoxy-isoquinolinium iodide in 100 ml. of 50% aqueous isopropanol was stirred during the gradual addition of 2.31 g. of sodium borohydride (over a 10-minute period). After 4 hours of stirring at room temperature, the mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with 50 ml. of Water, and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water, dried with sodium sulfate and evaporated to give 3.1 g. of crude liquid 2-ethyl8-methoxyl,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. A solution of this material in ethanol was acidified with ethanolic hydrogen chloride and evaporated, yielding 3.37 g. of solid which was crystallized from methanol-ether to give 2.39 g. of the 2- ethyl-S-methoxy 1,2,3,4 tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride, M.P. -1955".

1 1 EXAMPLE 14 Capsule formulation Mg. per capsule 8 methoxy-Z-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline Procedure: 25 parts of 8-methoxy-2-methyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride were mixed with 158 parts of lactose and 37 parts of corn starch in a suitable mixer. The mixture was further blended by passing through a Fitzpatrick comminuting machine with a No. 1A screen with knives forward. The blended powder was returned to the mixer and parts of talc were added and blended thoroughly. The mixture was then filled into No. 4 hard shell gelatin capsules on a Parke Davis capsulating machine.

EXAMPLE 15 Capsule formulation Mg. per capsule 8 methoxy-Z-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride 50 Lactose, U.S.P. 125 Corn starch, U.S.P. 30 Talc, U.S.P. 5

Total weight 210 Tablet formulation Mg. per tablet 8 methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride 10.0

Lactose 113.5 Corn starch 70.5 Pregelatinized corn starch 8.0 Calcium stearate 3.0

Total weight 205.0

Procedure: 10 parts of S-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride were mixed with 113.5 parts of lactose, 70.5 parts of corn starch and 8 parts of pregelatinized corn starch in a suitable size mixer. The mix was passed through a Fitzpatrick comminuting machine fitted with No. 1A screen with knives forward. Thereafter, the mix was returned to the mixer and moistened with water to a thick paste. The moist mass was passed through a No. 12 screen and the moist granules were dried on paper-lined trays. The dried granules were returned to the mixer, 3 parts of calcium stearate were added and mixed well. The granules were compressed at a tablet weight of 200 mg. using standard concave punches having a diameter of A EXAMPLE 17 Parenteral formulation Each 1 cc. a'mpul contains:

Mg. per cc. 8-methoxy 2 methyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquino- Water for injectioin, U.S.P., q.s. ad 1 cc.

1 2% excess.

Procedure (for 10,000 cc.): In a clean glass or glasslined vessel, 8,000 cc. of water for injection were heated to and then cooled to 50-60". Thereafter, 18 grams of methyl paraben and 2 grams of propyl paraben were added and dissolved with stirring. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature. 10.20 grams of 8- methoxy 2 methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline were added under an atmosphere of nitrogen and stirred until completely dissolved. Sufiicient water for injection was then added to make a total volume of 10,000 cc. This solution was filtered through an 02 Selas candle, filled into suitable size ampuls, gassed with nitrogen and sealed. The ampuls were autoclaved at 10 lbs. p.s.i. for 30 minutes.

We claim:

1. A compound of the formula wherein R is lower alkyl of 1-7 carbon atoms.

2. A compound in accordance with claim 1, 8-methoxy- 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS DONALD G. DAUS, Primary Examiner 

